The 30 second intro – Who are you?
I’m Paul Rayner – the editor of DJWORX, DJ, radio and podcast host. I’ve been on the radio since 1991 and DJing since 1993. I’m a big tech enthusiast, and happily can while away hours sorting music, ID3 tags etc.
How would most people know you? (What are you most well known for?)
DJWORX, different radio stations over the years and various gigs. My DJ name is Ranger. I also headed up a social media account with over 15M followers at one stage. You can find me every Weds morning 5-7AM GMT on the UK’s biggest independent dance music station and original London acid house pirate Centreforce 883 playing house and balearic vibes. I DJ out across London and further beyond and am also a DJ tutor. Busy basically.
How did you come to take over DJWORX?
I’ve known Mark, the previous Editor of DJWORX, for around 15 years when we first did some work together. In fact I tried to buy DJWORX from him for one of the publishing companies I worked at. I’m pleased he said no, as years later we were talking and he said he was ready to move on.
Having been a DJ for such a long time it felt like the perfect opportunity to marry my interests with my career experience. Over the years I have run some of the UK’s biggest tech publishing brands, as well as more leftfield titles such as Viz, Fortean Times and Bizarre (look it up, but maybe not on your work wi-fi). So I took DJWORX over, and Mark set up WORXlab, and it all worked out well in the long run.
Please list your relevant links (Social accounts, Mixcloud, gigs etc)
@pauldjworx on everything
How did you get into DJing?
I was a radio presenter first. I also have always had a massive music collection. I was using 1210’s on the radio but not mixing. However I was also listening to the London pirates and trying to get my head round it. Eventually I was inspired by some mates to try mixing while at university. I’ve never been a musician, so it didn’t came naturally to me, I’ve had to really work at it, and continue to do so. In the 00s I had a big break from radio, clubbing and DJing but came back to it around 2010. Over the last couple of years I’ve never been busier, playing out all round the place.
What is your home DJ tech set up currently?
In the studio it’s a DDJ-1000 which is perfect for radio broadcasting, Technics 1210 Mark 2s, a maxed out 2012 Macbook Pro, Sennheiser HD25s and Pioneer VM-50s. I also have a Humminguru record cleaner which is essential with the state of some of my vinyl.
What do you most often play out on these days?
CDJ-3000’s have now taken over, although played a gig last summer with CDJ-900s for the first time in a while.
What genre’s do you play?
It might be easier to list what I don’t play. I’m lucky as we get sent a lot of promo’s here at DJWORX. This means a constant supply of new music, I really enjoy some of the bassline house thats around currently. I’ve always leant towards harder and faster tunes, but also keep in foot in the chilled house and disco house genres. My speciality is probably mid-90s underground house. I play some corporate events and private parties where I’ll play open format and whatever suits the venue, but I always make sure to play some deeper cuts that still work on the dancefloor to keep it interesting.
What DJ tech did you use in your early days? (We’d love to see some photos!)
Originally I had some Soundlab belt drives and a Get Up To Scratch mixer. Playing through a hi-fi of course. The slipmats were probably the best part of that set up (h/t Remix Records Camden). In clubs it was always 1200s or 1210’s. Plus banged up needles. Mixers ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous.
What’s on the tech shopping list?
I’m lucky as there is a constant procession of amazing new tech coming through DJWORX to be tested. I do want to get a Pioneer DDJ- XP2 though, to up my sample game on my radio show in particular.
What DJ’s do you admire?
The honest answer is anyone who is prepared to stand up and play music to other people. Also radio DJ’s who mix live on air and host the show. It’s definitely more difficult than it looks to keep up with all the messages while also DJing. In terms of inspiration – Rob Tissera will always be my number 1, for his versatility, technical ability and enthusiasm. I’m still blown away by any Sasha mix from 90 or 91. Also from the harder side of things DJ Brisk is the man. For technical skills then JFB is hard to beat.
Whats the greatest set you’ve ever heard?
Tricky one because it depends on being present. If you listened to the same set but in a different place it wouldn’t have the same impact. But off the top of my head:
JFB at Glastonbury – Small tent by the Pyramid. Incredible skills in a drum and bass set. The girl next to me literally couldn’t understand what he was doing. Tried to explain but settled for saying “thousands of hours of practice”.
Azyr at Teletech – Jeeees. Basically gabba. Was brilliant.
CJ Bolland – The Orbit Leeds June 1996 when The Prophet was massive. Never seen a crowd reaction like it
Jon Pleased Wimmin – Ark Leeds June 1994 – Talk about a surprise when we saw his name on the flyer. However I still listen to this set. Absolute peak underground house business.
What’s been your favourite ever gig?
The night England beat Holland 4-1 in Euro ’96 we had an event at the Warehouse in Leeds. That was pretty special, DJing with my best mates.
What’s the greatest ever club night (in your opinion?)
It’s the club that has the biggest emotional pull on you right? Honourable mention to Up Yer Ronson and The Orbit then, but it has to be Ark in Leeds. Close my eyes and I am right back there.
Throughout your career is there a piece of equipment that you have just never got on with?
I’ve never really invested enough time with rotary mixers. They look cool, and having tested a few I’m aware of what they offer, but I currently they just don’t fit my mixing style.
From a DJing point of view what three things do you always take to a gig apart from USB and headphones obviously!
A 3rd and 4th USB backup of my tunes! In- ear plugs (Mine are from ACS but I also have Loops). Rekordbox Rec app and cable to record the set if I want to.
Can you talk us through your productions? (If any)
I leave that to the experts ;-). Although they say everyone’s got a tune in them (or is that books?)
What are your top 5 tunes of all time?
Just 5 is practically impossible. These are a good representation of my all time favourites. Number 1 never changes though.
- Dilemma – In Spirit. This will be be playing at my funeral, (hopefully not soon though…)
- Quench – Dreams (both the original and the Tony De Vit mix).
- Diss Reaction – Yieehaah. It’s not big, and it’s definitely not clever. But music is supposed to be fun.
- Punchanella – San Trancisco (Air Tattoo Remix)
- Dream Frequency – Take Me (Anthem Mix)
If you still have vinyl at home, how much?
About 700 12” currently. I keep thinking I have everything I want, but we all know I am lying to myself.
Outside of DJing what tech do you use at home?
We are an all Mac household. So it’s iMacs, MacBook Pros, Watches, TVs. Our Ring doorbell is my nemesis, it just loves disconnecting from the wi-fi and is more battery hungry than any other tech I’ve ever known.
Can you let us know three apps that are essential to you?
Apple Podcasts, Google Analytics, Eruption Radio app.
What app would you like to spread the word about?
I’ve got a soft spot for Timehop. It’s great at bringing up photos from back in the day. It also revives your social media posts as well, so there are definitely some “what was I thinking” moments there. On a similar theme – Both Teamo and Spond can get in the bin. It would be hard to build worse apps than these for managing sports teams.
What non-music related product can’t you live without?
My 66 North raincoat. If its good enough for Icelandic fishermen, it’s good enough for me.
Been to any great clubs or events recently?
Glastonbury is always good. ProperFest last year was phenomenal.
Football team?
Enfield Town FC – #COYT
Book recommendations?
The non action sections of “Tales from Woodbridge” resonates. Rave New World is a hell of read. There are more book recommendations here
Don’t miss our other DJWORX interviews including JFB, Quiana Parks, Pete Gooding, El Figo and many more.
Listen to Paul on Centreforce 883 – the UK’s biggest independent dance music station and original London acid house pirate
Every Weds morning 5-7AM GMT Centreforce 883 – playing house and balearic vibes.
